Shanghai stabbing stirs uproar as Japan seeks China's assurances on citizen safety

The Japanese government has asked the Chinese authorities to guarantee the safety of its citizens after a stabbing at a restaurant in Shanghai, which wounded two Japanese nationals. This is the latest diplomatic friction as the two countries are entangled in a standoff sparked by comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacked Taiwan. Earlier on Tuesday 19 May, the Pudong district police said on social media that they had received reports of a man injuring people with a fruit knife at a restaurant. According to AFP, on Wednesday 20 May 2026, police said the suspect, a 59-year-old man named Yang, who was restrained at the scene, had a history of mental illness. Three people were taken to hospital, according to the statement. Japanese media reported that two of them were Japanese nationals. Asked about the report, the Japanese consulate in Shanghai confirmed that two nationals had been injured and added that they were receiving medical treatment. “The government of Japan has asked the Chinese government to clarify the facts and provide a clear explanation … and to ensure the safety and security of Japanese nationals,” said a spokesperson for the Japanese consulate in Shanghai. Spokesperson for the Japanese government, Minoru Kihara, later confirmed that Tokyo had asked for an explanation. He added that consular advisories had been issued to all Japanese nationals residing in China. “The government will continue, while keeping contact with the relevant parties, to provide all possible support from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals,” he said. The restaurant reported as the site of the attack appeared calm on Wednesday 20 May. Police said that when the suspect was taken into custody, he “spoke incoherently and behaved erratically.”